Photo courtesy of Freepik
Reserving an oceanfront rental guarantees a vacation filled with stunning views and the calming rhythm of the waves. However, simply picking a house with a sea-facing balcony isn’t enough to ensure a memorable stay. To truly make your trip worth it and to get the most out of it, it’s essential to prioritize some specific facilities. Let’s find out more about it now.
Pay Attention to Private Beach Access
The appeal of oceanfront rentals on the Outer Banks (or any coastal destination) is purely their proximity to the beach. However, proximity isn’t the only factor in ensuring a dream beach vacation. One of the many deciding factors is private beach access.
Shared access facilities result in crowded walkways, long treks with beach equipment, and fighting over prime sunbathing spots. Private access turns your vacation into a personal escape. Imagine walking directly from your rental property onto the beach, bypassing the tourist hordes and soaking up the quiet of the sea whenever you like. That’s what you get when you opt for a rental with private beach access.
Be sure to conduct thorough research to ensure your rental property permits spontaneous trips to the beach, easy water dips, and the ability to take sunrise strolls without piercing through a crowd. Carefully check the nature of beach access. Is it truly private, shared by a handful of other homes, or a public access point? Look for visual clues in the property photos, including dedicated walks, enclosed dune crossings, or private staircases that bring you right to the beach.
It means you should always pay close attention to property descriptions to know what you’re getting. Remember, words like “shared access” or “semi-private” should raise a red flag, and deserve more investigation.
Go for Well-Equipped Outdoor Living Spaces
Before reserving your next oceanfront rental, don’t be content with a plain plastic-furnished balcony. There’s much more to consider than you might think. Know that a well-designed outdoor space should be an extension of the living room, offering space for relaxation, dining, and socializing and still allowing you to enjoy the ocean breeze and spectacular views.
Your rentals should always offer extended living spaces with comfortable seating arrangements, a dining space conducive to al fresco dining, and sufficient protection from the elements. Rentals with large decks, patios, or covered porches should be your first choice.
It’s just as important to consider the quality of the furniture; does it possess weather-resistant features, comfort, and good appearance? A quality outdoor dining set is necessary for dining with a view. Give some more thought to shade; is there an umbrella, awning, or covered space to provide shelter from the sun during the peak hours? Be sure to check all of this carefully before making your choice.
Look for a Chef-Worthy Kitchen
Even though dining out presents an appealing option during a holiday, having a fully equipped and well-provisioned kitchen permits you to prepare your own culinary masterpieces and indulge in easy meals in the comfort of your rental home.
A well-stocked kitchen with essentials provides the liberty to prepare simple breakfasts, pack lunches for beach excursions, and create sophisticated dinners from fresh, locally-obtained ingredients. Additionally, it provides the ability to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, which is something you might want to consider when traveling with the whole family with different needs.
Opt for rentals that have new appliances, plenty of countertop area, and an entire set of cookware, utensils, and serving dishes. Look for amenities such as a microwave, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker, and blender. A fully stocked pantry and sufficient storage area will also make things a lot easier.
Check the Availability of High-Speed Wi-Fi
Even on vacation, you might need to stay connected for professional reasons, stream movies, or keep in touch with family and friends. Unreliable or slow Wi-Fi can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re trying to relax and unwind. This scenario can stop you from working from home, watching TV, or accessing vital information about local attractions and services.
It’s best not to assume the property’s “Wi-Fi included” claim at face value. You need to ask questions about the speed and reliability of the connection. Be sure to inquire whether the Wi-Fi is shared with other properties or solely dedicated to your rental. Checking a few reviews about oceanfront rentals may also offer insight into whether other tourists have complained about the internet and help you make a better decision.
Endnote
By keeping these amenities a priority while booking oceanfront rentals, a simple vacation can be turned into an experience of a lifetime. It’s not recommended to make do with just a view. Instead, select an oceanfront rental offering the amenities and features that will actually contribute to your comfort, convenience, and enjoyment. Happy travels guys!
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